Top 10 State Parks in Florida

Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and endless sunshine, but there’s so much more to see in the Sunshine State. If you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure, head to one of Florida’s top state parks. From hiking and biking trails to kayaking and fishing, these parks have something for everyone. So pack your sunscreen and water bottle, and get ready to explore some of Florida’s most beautiful natural scenery.

Although there are 175 award-winning state parks, here are the top 10 state parks in Florida:

Big Talbot Island State Park

Google Rating: 4.90

Number of annual visitors: 353,010

A Jacksonville staple, Big Talbot Island State Park is an absolutely beautiful, off-the-beaten-path attraction. It takes the top spot on this list with the highest rating of 4.90 and has over 1,000 positive Google reviews. The park is about a 40-minute drive north of Jacksonville, just off A1A before crossing the Nassau Sound.

It’s best to head to this spot early in the morning, pack a lunch, fishing gear, bike, or even your hammock (to take a snooze on the beach). Once parked (which costs around $3), you can follow a trail for about half a mile to arrive at Boneyard Beach. The haunting natural beauty of the driftwood and dead trees set against the white sands make it a stunning place for photoshoots. There are no bathrooms at the park and unfortunately, dogs are not allowed.

Blue Spring State Park

Google Rating: 4.80

Number of annual visitors: 485,423

Located around a 7-minute drive west of Orange City and 40 minutes from Orlando is Blue Spring State Park – an exceptionally beautiful spring where you can spot manatees, gators, birds, fish, and more. There is a well-maintained boardwalk to see the entire area, which is also handicap accessible. In the park, you can snorkel in a crystal-clear spring run, take a boat tour, scuba dive, tube, and swim. It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon outdoors! There’s a hiking path inside the park accessible from the lower parking lot called Pine Island Trail, which is a relatively long but easy hike. Arrive early, as the park fills up quickly.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Google Rating: 4.80

Number of visitors: 477,776

The soft, white powdery sands of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park are almost like a little slice of the Caribbean in North Naples. The park is 117 miles south of Sarasota, the closest major city and sees around 477,776 visitors a year. This is a beautiful spot to swim and sunbathe, especially for kids as the water is quite flat and shallow. Another perk about this beach is that there are many little treasures to find. You can spot a starfish, large shells, sand dollars, and more. Walk to Lot 4, where you’ll find food truck concessions and nice picnic areas. Parking is available for a flat rate of $6 a day.

St. Andrews State Park

Google Rating: 4.80

Number of visitors: 472,087

Located 98 miles from Tallahassee is St. Andrews State Park, a stunning 1,200-acre site located just off the U.S. 98. The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sundown, starting at $8 per two-occupant vehicle. There is an amazing wildlife area, walking trails, beaches, fishing piers and a jetty. All of the facilities are very clean, and the trails are well-marked. You’ll have the opportunity to spot dolphins, manatees, ospreys, bald eagles, belted kingfishers, red shouldered hawks, gophers, tortoises, deer, and more. The park is known for its white sands and emerald green waters. Spring and fall are also great times to visit when the weather is a bit cooler, as Florida summers can get up to 91°F. There is a newly renovated RV park area (post ​​Hurricane Michael) which is level and filled with clean gravel. The bathrooms are clean, and there are pay washers and dryers available. The AT&T cell signal is excellent and many restaurants and grocery stores are within easy driving distance.

Henderson Beach State Park

Google Rating: 4.80

Number of visitors: 385,841

Perfect for beach bums, Henderson Beach State Park is a must-see when you’re in the Destin area. Pensacola, named one of the most affordable places to live in Florida, is just about an hour’s drive west of the state park. You can squish your toes in the white sand and splash about in the breathtakingly clear, blue water. The bathrooms are clean and fully stocked, and there are also outdoor showers nearby. Things that are prohibited at this beach are dogs and alcohol. Also, the showers are not stocked with soap. The beach is busy, but not overcrowded. The umbrella and chair service is great, and a day’s pass is only $6. After a full day in the sun, grab a bite to eat at Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar and Grill or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. right across from the beach.

Lovers Key State Park

Google Rating: 4.70

Number of visitors: 758,572

This is a gem on the West Coast, located on Lover’s Key and three other barrier islands. If you love outdoor activities, this is the perfect spot that deviates from the usual touristy destinations. The park offers tram rides, kayak and bike rentals, sugar-like sandy beaches with a lovely pavilion (available for weddings or any private event), a fishing pier, bike trails, a butterfly garden, and more. It’s only $8 per vehicle to enter, and there’s plenty of parking available. Once you arrive there’s a free tram from the parking lot to the beach. Beach wheelchairs are also offered to make the park accessible to everyone; ask a park ranger if you need assistance. A food vendor, umbrellas, chairs, life jackets, kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes are all available. There is a small gift shop with various souvenirs and delicious cold treats. Lovers Key is a romantic destination for spectacular beachside weddings.

Anastasia State Park

Google Rating: 4.70

Number of visitors: 750,872

Located on a peninsula on Anastasia Island across Matanzas Bay from downtown St. Augustine is the 1,600-acre site of Anastasia State Park. The closest major city is Jacksonville, which is 36 miles north of the park. Jacksonville’s overall crime rate significantly decreased in 2021, which is a positive step in the right direction.

Anastasia State Park is great for families (and a popular wedding destination) as there are beautiful dunes and pristine white sand beaches for miles on end. To note, it is a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the beachfront. The water sports area in the park is convenient, and it’s also a great place for kayaking and fishing. There are lots of parking for RVs and excellent camping available. At the park, there are two different trails: one follows the coastline and the other cuts through the interior. Along the trails, there are lots of small wild animals and birds on the shoreline. Parking is $8 per vehicle for the day and leashed dogs are allowed on trails but not on the beach.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

Google Rating: 4.70

Number of visitors: 584,327

Sebastian Inlet State park is a quiet, gorgeous, family-friendly place to hang out, swim, fish, and sight-see. It’s just about an hour and a half drive from Orlando, but worth every minute! Entry is $8, and you can exit and enter all day as long as you keep your receipt. The water is crisp blue, and there’s a small inlet where you can swim protected from the crashing waves. It’s also one of the best places to fish on the East Coast, as there are huge sheepshead, flounder and redfish. Overall, Sebastian Inlet is a beautiful state park in Florida with plenty of options to explore.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Google Rating: 4.70

Number of visitors: 406,057

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park was named after a WWII veteran, who was a local man from the area. It’s located 34 miles from Fort Lauderdale, a relatively safe major city. This state park has a beautiful beach that’s perfect for small kids, as it’s fairly shallow. There are gorgeous views from the fishing side of the park. You’ll find picnic areas, a fishing pier, and even a birding trail. Be warned, from April to October, there are large amounts of seaweed that make it to the shore, which can be a bit stinky when it decomposes. Entry is $8 per vehicle.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Google Rating: 4.70

Number of visitors: 324,127

With almost 8,000 reviews on Google and a 4.70 rating, Wekiwa Springs State Park is the perfect place to take the family for some canoeing. The state park covers 7,000 acres in Apopka, and Orlando is about25-minute drive away. The top feature of this park is the crystal clear natural spring which is great for those who aren’t strong swimmers as it is relatively shallow.  You can spot wildlife, including gators, turtles, and other fantastic creatures wandering around their homes. Bathrooms are well kept, and there are snacks and basic necessities for sale in the canoe rental shop . Maps are not allowed on the canoes due to potential littering, so have your phone fully charged! Admission costs $6. Kayaking and canoeing are in a separate area from the spring and each costs $40 for two hours.

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*All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from closest major
cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of Google reviews.